“In our days we will live like our ghosts will live.”
(Iron & Wine)
If you’re feeling shaky right now, you’re not alone.
If you’re feeling fearful right now, you’re not alone.
And if you’re wondering where you can get your hands on some toilet paper, you’re also not alone…because I’m wondering the same thing.
I’m on the fence about joking this week because I know many of us are legitimately fearful and unsure how we should be feeling. The presence of COVID-19 all over our world has made an average week feel like an apocalyptic movie – our grocery stores have been ransacked, our travel has been cancelled, and America’s dad Tom Hanks has even been diagnosed.
The Globe helping us to stay calm. Super reassuring!
What do we do in the midst of a situation like this?
Whenever I’m feeling stressed, afraid, or simply overwhelmed, the answer I always turn to is to do the next “right” thing.
This is our much needed backyard time amidst a fear-filled pandemic
Even when the source of the stress is a never-in-my-lifetime-sized pandemic that’s got the world on fire with fear—we don’t have to see into next year, next month, or even next week: we just need to do the next right thing.
Maybe the next right thing is to take some deep breaths.
Maybe the next right thing is to wash my hands.
Maybe it’s to take my baby in the backyard for some fresh air, listen to a friend vent on the phone, or buy a Costco truckload of toilet paper and sell it on the corner for profit.
(Sorry guys, I have to joke a little…you know me by now.)
I have absolutely NO idea how to navigate the big picture of this pandemic – and that’s okay. Most of us (unless we’re top government officials) truly don’t need to.
What we DO need to do is take care of ourselves, our families, and our physical and mental health.
I included an excerpt from a very helpful essay by Dr. Doreen Marshall at the bottom of this post— it’s on how to take care of our mental health amidst this global pandemic. I hope it brings you some clarity, comfort, and guidance over the coming week.
But back before I knew what kind of (legitimately scary) week this would be in our world, I decided that I wanted to make a Friday the 13th themed podcast episode – which is what you’ll find below.
Click here to listen on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud
I’d been feeling a bit burnt out and realized that when I thought about making a “spooky” podcast episode I felt my enthusiasm return. I also thought it would be fun to interview someone with a VERY fringe interest (ghosts) - even if I don’t personally believe in them. (Or do I? It really depends on the day.)
I was connected with investigator Paul Dale Roberts and I figured I’d ask him for a few scary stories, hear about what must be an out-of-the-ordinary journey, and be on my merry little life coach way.
What I DIDN’T expect was to be connected with someone who has lived a life beyond all “normal” expectations.
I didn’t expect to find that Paul really loves his OTHER (government) job too - or that he’s held a litany of careers and roles that sound more like he’s lived ten lives than one: police officer, veteran, author, fire fighter, entertainer, journalist, speaker, animal rescuer...and these roles are only the tip of the Paul iceberg.
While we start in the present-day paranormal, we visit a variety of helpful topics on our winding journey, such as:
· What to do when a career you worked hard for doesn’t work out
· How to pay bills and also live a creative life of passion and adventure
· How to deal with criticism and other people’s opinions
· How to create the life you want - rather than waiting for opportunity to knock
· How to live in a way that reverberates good after you’re gone
Oh, and we totally had a paranormal event on our call. Don’t believe me? Well I’m a skeptic too, but listen for yourself - and you be the judge.
In this week of a full moon, recession, no toilet paper, and the threat of a dangerous pandemic the world over, there’s a lot that we humans have to be tense over. But in the midst of all that feels wrong and scary, I offer you this interview as an unexpected balm. Paul Dale Roberts and his earnest story of being true to himself lifted my dampened spirits, and I’m guessing that they’ll lift yours too.
xo,
Melissa
Listen here on iTunes
Listen here on Spotify
Listen here on Soundcloud
Here is an excerpt from Dr. Doreen Marshall’s essay on how to protect our mental health during this pandemic:
“Separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news (Do you really need to know what is happening on a cruise ship you aren’t on?).
Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others. It’s ok if you’ve decided what makes you feel safe is to limit attendance of large social events, but make sure you separate when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it’s part of depression.
Get outside in nature–even if you are avoiding crowds. I took a walk yesterday afternoon in my neighborhood with my daughter. The sun was shining, we got our dose of vitamin D, and it felt good to both get some fresh air and quality time together. Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health.
Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding—you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.
Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.
We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.